The Bible is very clear about having an active pursuit of Jesus and keep this fire burning inside of us. Apostle Paul, remembering the passion of Timothy’s grandmother and mother, persuades Timothy saying, “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6
However the problem with many Christians is that they are forever depending on someone to come and fan their flames. Fanning your flame is not just your worship leader or pastor’s responsibility. [ClickToTweet] It is our active responsibility too.
Here are some heads up to keep the fire of God burning strong inside of us.
1. Identify Cold Logs
Cold, water logged, logs of wood does not help the fire burn. It’s ok that you are surrounded with people who have no fire of God inside them, but if they are your only source of fellowship, then you have a problem!
2 Timothy 2:22 encourages us to, “…pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
That’s a group that’s active about their passion inside them who don’t passively wait but actively call upon the Lord. You can’t ignore the cold logs but love them. However, you must guard your heart from letting their indifference dampening your spirit.
2. Locate the Fire
When Elijah screamed, oh, I am the only one.. God reminded him that there was roughly about 7000 others who had not bowed down to idols. We should not have that ‘only me’ syndrome. There’s always someone on fire for God. Yes, even in your church.
They may not be as loud as you, or even dressed like you. But they have some fire burning within them. Go catch up with them. (Of course use caution too) Two believers are better than one. [ClickToTweet]
3. Invest Into Fire
Sometimes we get so religious and zealous that we isolate ourselves in God. There’s a danger in that too. The enemy would love for us to believe that we have monopoly over God’s Word and that everyone else is wrong.
Often, I come across many Christians who don’t want any other preacher preaching to them, no other book, just Bible and God. While I like their passion, it’s also at this point the enemy fills their heart with pride. There are more counts of such people going into extremes and cultic practices because of this isolation. Remember it’s easy for the devil to delude an isolated Christian.
My advice, don’t get all spiritually religious. Find other ministers and conferences (Yes pay for it, if you must) that carry the fire of God. Go humble yourself (shut up) and learn. If you cannot consider others more significant than yourself, chances are that you won’t learn anything in this century.
4. Feed Your Fire
Now when you get home, you got to have a fire feeding device of your own! You cannot solely depend on your pastor or worship leader from your church. Make it a habit to read God’s Word everyday. Don’t sleep without that little something engaging your heart to go the extra mile for God.
After all the other sermons die down, the Word that speaks to you directly is what will keep you going. There’s no word more powerful than the Word that God speaks directly into your soul. [ClickToTweet]
5. Finally, make fire your life theme. Live life intentionally. For example: If football is your life’s theme, then fire of God is not going to swallow your life. Fire of God has to be center priority and football only revolving around it.
When the fire of God is your theme, it affects every area of your life. Your Facebook status to Instagram quotes, to car bumper stickers to fridge magnets. Do they all inspire you to run after God more? If not, fix it today! Let the fire of God be your life’s theme.
This week, I am “almost” sulking. In a couple of days I’m going to be 28 years old. I am not sad about being a year older. But more desperate to live life intentionally. Are you with me in this journey?
With love,
Shyju
Have a question, thought? Leave it in the comments section below.
P.S – Soon and very soon, we will have our audio podcast up and going. So for all who have asked that in the past, it won’t be long!! Yepee, I am excited, will you be listening? Let me know.